Why I Believe in Osmosis Learning

By Sophia Anne-Marie Miller

"Habits are taught like language: not by instruction, but by immersion." — Dr. Dan Siegel (a paraphrased blend of his wisdom)

When people ask me what kind of curriculum we follow at Miller & Co, I often hesitate.

Yes, we teach literacy, numeracy, inquiry-based science. Yes, we design bespoke learning journeys tailored to each child. But the truth is; what we teach on paper is only half the story.

The rest? It happens by osmosis.

What Is Osmosis Learning?

Osmosis learning is what happens when a child soaks up who you are…not what you say.

It’s when they watch how you breathe through frustration. How you apologise when you get it wrong. How you speak about people who aren’t in the room. It’s when they learn, unconsciously, that creativity is welcome here. That slowness is safe here. That being human is allowed here.

This kind of learning is not planned on paper; But modelled by example. 

Children Are Always Absorbing

One of my favourite reminders as an educator is this: We are not just teaching subjects. We are teaching nervous systems.

A dysregulated adult can’t help a child regulate* A teacher who’s constantly rushing, silencing, or over-explaining may pass on the subliminal message that: “There’s no room for your process here.”

But when we show up as grounded, curious, and fallible humans, we give permission for our students to do the same.

Whether or not they remember the worksheet is unparalleled to Their memory of how it felt to be with you.

Why This Matters at Miller & Co

At Miller & Co, we believe that values are transmitted through relationship.That’s why we hire educators who live their values. Practicing what they preach. 

And that’s why we prioritise emotional intelligence and presence over rigid outcomes.

We’ve seen it again and again: When a child is surrounded by adults who embody calm, playfulness, creativity, and care, those qualities begin to live in them, too.

Our Hidden Curriculum

We do teach maths. But we also teach how to try again after getting it wrong. We teach how to pause and ask, “What do I need right now?” We teach how to disagree kindly. We teach how to be curious about a mistake instead of ashamed by it.

None of this is on a timetable. But it’s always being learned.

A Final Word

So many of the children we work with are sensitive, spirited, wildly creative. They don’t just need information. They need orientation.

Someone to show them, moment by moment, that their way of seeing the world isn’t wrong—it’s needed.

That’s why I believe in osmosis learning. Because children don’t need us to be perfect. They need us to be real.

— Sophia

*an adult can be regulated in many area’s of their life, but may struggle with their own child.